Need Crash Course on Cruising Alaska

Mebert · June 10, 2006

I'll be taking an Alaskan cruise next week. Can you experienced folks help me with a few things?

-Can anybody tell me what happens during "cruising Hubbard Glacier" and "cruising the inside passage?" Are those days like days at sea or is it really spectacular? Is it a part of the cruise where everyone is on deck looking at the scenery?

-Will we see whales?

-Should I skip a meal to observe the scenery?

Suzila · June 10, 2006

BITE YOUR TONGUE MEBERT!

Rule #1: NEVER SKIP A MEAL!!!!!!

You'll have plenty of time to see all the scenery you want to see without skipping any meals.

Yes, cruising the inside passage is like a day at sea, but you will see spectacular scenery...the glaciers melting, maybe some bald eagles, possibly some whales...you never know. Yes, everyone will be awake early and on deck...take a heavy jacket with you. It will be cold when you're cruising the glaciers.

Have a great time...I know you will!

jbond · June 10, 2006

We sailed Lgend of the seas and saw Hubbard Glacier and did the Inside Passage.

For the Glacier, we sailed into Disenchantment Bay, very well named, and spent a few hours viewing the glacier. It's very impressive. We had a balcony cabin and we spent a lot of time on the balcony while the captain did several 360's so that everyone got great views of the glacier. Sailing in, we went to the front of the ship and watched as we broke through small ice in the bay. It was really exciting, the noise of the ice breaking was quite impressive. We saw a few seals, but no whales and no ice calving.

The Inside Passage was like a day at sea with lots to see. You can always see land. We were treated to a large school of orcas that was the highlight of the day.

Don't miss any meals.

I have photos of our Hubbard Glacier encounter and the Inside Passage at http://community.webshots.com/user/jbond105/1 under Legend of the Seas.

rogue · June 10, 2006

There is no missing meals.

As for whales, when we were on the ship we saw some, but they were quite far away. We went on a whale watch and saw an amazing number up close and personal. Lots of eagles.

When your observing the glaciers, everyone is either on deck, or on their verrandah. I really feel that that is one cruise where a verrandah is necessity. Jbond is right. It does get cold around the glaciers.

Alaska is a great place to cruise. You'll love it.

:grin:

sailingrose · June 10, 2006

Great photo op at the back of the ship as you leave Hubbard Glacier. If it's a clear day it will be even more spectacular. Try to head back there when you start to leave the area.

We have never been lucky enough on an Alaskan cruise to see a whale from the ship. We did see them doing the Mexican Riviera. We did whale watching in Juneau with Captain Larry(orca enterprises) and had a marvelous time with many many schools of whales spotted. It is an amazing sight to be up close and personal with them. If you can book an independent excursion in Juneau you'll get a small boat experience.

Suzila · June 10, 2006

I'm still laughing at your original question...."Should I skip a meal to observe the scenery?"

Not trying to offend you, but ARE YOU NUTS? LOL!

sailingrose · June 12, 2006

LOL Suzila!

Joanandjoe · June 12, 2006

Should you skip a meal to see the scenery? Only if you're trying to cut your weight gain. On most ships you can see the glaciers quite well from outside seats on the buffet deck.

Will you see whales? As pointed out by Howard (Rogue), maybe some from far away. We did see some, but they were barely visible. The big ships tend to make whales skittish. You need an excursion on a small boat to see them "up close and personal".

KeithnRita · June 12, 2006

Mebert, it's all spectacular and you are in for a thrill of your life. Whether or not you see any whales shouldn't matter, it's the idea that you may that's thrilling. If you have the opportunity to take the Alaska Railroad, you will see a lot more wildlife.

Also, if you have to skip a meal you will have plenty of opportunities to make it up!

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